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Grazia: Albania cheaper than Spain and Portugal, ideal summer destination in Europe, says French media

TIRANA, June 10 – Albania has emerged as one of the most attractive summer destinations for 2026 due to lower costs and Mediterranean landscapes, according to an article by Luce Picat published in the French media outlet Grazia.fr. Meanwhile, the article said rising prices across Europe continue to affect family …

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148 years since the League of Prizren, event that laid foundations of Albanian nation-state

TIRANA, June 10 – Albania marks 148 years since the founding of the League of Prizren. The League stands as the most important event of the 19th century in Albanian history. It marked the start of national political organization to defend Albanian lands and identity. The League of Prizren was …

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Albania women reach 2027 World Cup play-offs after 5-2 win over Montenegro

TIRANA, June 10 – Albania’s women’s national team beat Montenegro 5-2 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium and secured a place in the first round of the 2027 World Cup play-offs in Brazil. Albania started strongly and pushed forward from the opening minutes. Fortesa Berisha hit the crossbar in the 4th …

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FM Hoxha meets Bulgarian counterpart, discusses energy and infrastructure cooperation

TIRANA, June 10 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha arrived in Sofia, where foreign ministers are meeting at the close of Bulgaria’s chairmanship of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) for 2025–2026. Earlier, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova received Hoxha for bilateral talks. The meeting reaffirmed the …

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PM Rama to Associated Press: No final Zvërnec project yet, misinformation fuels opposition

TIRANA, June 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama told Associated Press that Albania will continue with plans for a luxury tourism investment linked to Jared Kushner despite ongoing protests against the project. Rama rejected environmental criticism and described it as a result of misinformation. He said the investment reflects growing …

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Kosova’s Acting President Haxhiu to attend Southeast European Cooperation Process Summit in Sofia

TIRANA, June 10 – Albulena Haxhiu, Acting President of Kosova, will travel to Sofia, Bulgaria, to take part in the Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit. The summit will bring together leaders from Southeast Europe to discuss regional cooperation, security, connectivity, European integration and sustainable development. KosovaPress reported the information. …

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Albania’s Civic Awakening: A Year After Rama’s Landslide, the Illusion of Invincibility Breaks

by Elez Biberaj Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – One year after Prime Minister Edi Rama swept to a fourth consecutive term, Albania finds itself in a profoundly different place than the triumphant narrative he projected. The government that claimed unrivaled authority now faces the most sustained civic uprising in …

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Hoxha-Byrne: Ireland Supports EU Enlargement, Albania Advances Through Reform Agenda

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, to discuss Albania’s progress and prospects on its path toward European Union membership. During the meeting, the two officials reviewed developments in Albania’s EU integration process. They also exchanged …

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Kurti Meets Austrian Chancellor: Kosovo’s Council of Europe Membership a Priority

Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, met in Vienna with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker during an official visit to Austria. Kurti thanked Austria for its long-standing support for Kosovo since the 1990s. He also highlighted Austria’s role in state-building efforts and its contribution through the NATO-led KFOR mission. Furthermore, …

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PM Rama: Kushner and Ivanka Trump Are Investors, Not Political Actors

Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected claims that a planned Zvërnec project involves political backing from the White House or former U.S. President Donald Trump. He addressed journalists from EU member states at a press conference. He said public debate distorts the facts and focuses on family connections. Furthermore, he said …

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German Media Highlights Albania as a Rising European Destination for 2026

A German media outlet has described Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive emerging travel destinations for 2026. According to Baden24, Albania is gaining increasing international attention thanks to its turquoise waters, unspoiled coastline, and affordable prices. As a result, many travelers now view the country as an appealing alternative …

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Parliament Speaker Peleshi: Vetting subjected justice system to strongest scrutiny

TIRANA, June 17 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi described the justice reform as one of the deepest and most ambitious reforms ever undertaken by the Albanian state during a ceremony marking the conclusion of the Vetting process. In his address, Peleshi said the event closes an important chapter in the …

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Edi Rama’s Sculpture Featured at Art Basel 2026

Visitors to Art Basel 2026 will see a public artwork by Albanian Prime Minister and artist Edi Rama. His bronze sculpture, Untitled (2026), is on display in the “Parcours” public art section at the end of Clarastrasse, overlooking the Rhine River. According to The Art Newspaper, Rama presents a new …

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Venice Commission: Party finance platform boosts transparency but needs stronger legal safeguards

TIRANA, June 17 – The Venice Commission published its opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. It described the reform as an important step toward modernizing the political finance system. At the same time, it called for further improvements to ensure legal clarity, proportionality, and effective implementation. The …

News
U.S. Senate confirms Eric Wendt as ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, June 17 – The U.S. Senate confirmed retired Lieutenant General Eric Wendt as the next U.S. ambassador to Albania with 51 votes in favour and 47 against. The full Senate vote followed approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where Wendt secured majority support from committee members. Authorities now …

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Kosova, European Commission review European Union financial and technical support

TIRANA, June 17 – Kosova and the European Commission held the annual meeting of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Monitoring Committee. Participants reviewed the implementation of European Union financial and technical support for Kosova. They also discussed reforms that support Kosova’s European integration path. The European Union has provided …

News
Saranda sees tourist surge as foreign visitors praise prices and services

TIRANA, June 17 – Saranda is experiencing a strong influx of tourists in the early summer season. Foreign visitors praise local offers, services, and relatively affordable prices. Beaches along the Ionian coast are already crowded in June. Many travelers choose the destination for its clear waters and natural scenery. Several …

News
Ibrahimaj: Startups Drive Albania’s Green and Digital Transformation

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj attended the “Green & Digital Innovation” event and highlighted the growing role of startups in transforming Albania’s economy. She said startups are helping drive innovation, technology, and sustainable development across the country. Moreover, Ibrahimaj noted that government support and cooperation with European partners are …

News
EU4Schools programme rebuilds 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities

TIRANA, June 17 – The European Union, the Albanian government and UNDP held the closing conference of the EU4Schools programme. The initiative repaired and rebuilt 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities affected by the 2019 earthquake. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro thanked all partners who contributed to the programme. She said …

News
Albanian Children’s Artwork to Be Showcased at International Art Event in Portugal

The National Center of Culture for Children (QKKF) will take part in the 27th International Meeting of Juvenile Art – Évora 2026 in Portugal. The center will represent Albania with 21 artworks created by children attending its painting course. The event is one of the most recognized international gatherings dedicated …

News

German Media Highlights Albania as a Rising European Destination for 2026

A German media outlet has described Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive emerging travel destinations for 2026. According to Baden24, Albania is gaining increasing international attention thanks to its turquoise waters, unspoiled coastline, and affordable prices. As a result, many travelers now view the country as an appealing alternative …

News

Parliament Speaker Peleshi: Vetting subjected justice system to strongest scrutiny

TIRANA, June 17 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi described the justice reform as one of the deepest and most ambitious reforms ever undertaken by the Albanian state during a ceremony marking the conclusion of the Vetting process. In his address, Peleshi said the event closes an important chapter in the …

News

Edi Rama’s Sculpture Featured at Art Basel 2026

Visitors to Art Basel 2026 will see a public artwork by Albanian Prime Minister and artist Edi Rama. His bronze sculpture, Untitled (2026), is on display in the “Parcours” public art section at the end of Clarastrasse, overlooking the Rhine River. According to The Art Newspaper, Rama presents a new …

News

Venice Commission: Party finance platform boosts transparency but needs stronger legal safeguards

TIRANA, June 17 – The Venice Commission published its opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. It described the reform as an important step toward modernizing the political finance system. At the same time, it called for further improvements to ensure legal clarity, proportionality, and effective implementation. The …

News

U.S. Senate confirms Eric Wendt as ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, June 17 – The U.S. Senate confirmed retired Lieutenant General Eric Wendt as the next U.S. ambassador to Albania with 51 votes in favour and 47 against. The full Senate vote followed approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where Wendt secured majority support from committee members. Authorities now …

News

Kosova, European Commission review European Union financial and technical support

TIRANA, June 17 – Kosova and the European Commission held the annual meeting of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Monitoring Committee. Participants reviewed the implementation of European Union financial and technical support for Kosova. They also discussed reforms that support Kosova’s European integration path. The European Union has provided …

News

Saranda sees tourist surge as foreign visitors praise prices and services

TIRANA, June 17 – Saranda is experiencing a strong influx of tourists in the early summer season. Foreign visitors praise local offers, services, and relatively affordable prices. Beaches along the Ionian coast are already crowded in June. Many travelers choose the destination for its clear waters and natural scenery. Several …

News

Ibrahimaj: Startups Drive Albania’s Green and Digital Transformation

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj attended the “Green & Digital Innovation” event and highlighted the growing role of startups in transforming Albania’s economy. She said startups are helping drive innovation, technology, and sustainable development across the country. Moreover, Ibrahimaj noted that government support and cooperation with European partners are …

News

EU4Schools programme rebuilds 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities

TIRANA, June 17 – The European Union, the Albanian government and UNDP held the closing conference of the EU4Schools programme. The initiative repaired and rebuilt 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities affected by the 2019 earthquake. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro thanked all partners who contributed to the programme. She said …

News

Albanian Children’s Artwork to Be Showcased at International Art Event in Portugal

The National Center of Culture for Children (QKKF) will take part in the 27th International Meeting of Juvenile Art – Évora 2026 in Portugal. The center will represent Albania with 21 artworks created by children attending its painting course. The event is one of the most recognized international gatherings dedicated …